Sources of influence for choosing an operating department practitioner career: Findings from a questionnaire among students in England

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the sources of influence which impact choosing an operating department practitioner career among current operating department practitioner students in England to inform recommendations for maximising recruitment and retention. Methods: An online questionnaire was disseminated to allied health professional, inclusive of operating department practitioner, students in England in 2021. Results: One hundred and fifty operating department practitioner students attending undergraduate courses completed the questionnaire. Personal influences, such as role models, were the key sources of influence for choosing an operating department practitioner career. Educational sources were the least influential. Gaining work experience or exposure to the theatre setting was perceived as key to address course attrition. Conducting one’s own research was vital in learning more about the operating department practitioner role and influencing the decision to choose the profession. Conclusions: There are opportunities to utilise media and educational sources more effectively to influence individuals to choose an operating department practitioner career.